AEK and Aris Kick Off Their European Campaigns in the Conference League Second Qualifying Round
Tonight (24/7), both AEK and Aris embark on their European journeys in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. AEK will host Hapoel Beer Sheva at 21:00, while Aris travels to face Araz at 19:00.
AEK’s Ambitious Start Under New Coach Marko Nikolić
With Marko Nikolić making his official debut as head coach, AEK aims to establish a strong foothold in this two-legged tie. The primary objective is to secure a victory on home soil, ideally by a comfortable margin, to ease the pressure ahead of the return leg scheduled for next Thursday in Debrecen, Hungary. This strategic approach reflects the club’s determination to advance confidently in the competition.
Aris Faces a New Challenge with Experienced Leadership
Meanwhile, Aris Thessaloniki confronts a less experienced opponent, Araz, who are making their debut in European tournaments. Despite this, the team is cautious, recognizing the inherent risks of traveling abroad for such fixtures. Head coach Marinos Ouzounidis emphasized in the pre-match press conference, “We fully understand the challenge ahead,” signaling the team’s readiness and respect for their adversaries.
Pathways to the Third Qualifying Round
Should AEK overcome Hapoel Beer Sheva, they will face the winner of the tie between Aris Limassol and Puskás Akadémia in the third qualifying round. On the other hand, Aris’s potential next opponent will be the victor of the Omonia Nicosia versus Torpedo Kutaisi matchup. These upcoming fixtures promise intense competition as Greek clubs strive to progress further in the tournament.
Context and Recent Trends in the Conference League
Greek teams have historically shown resilience in European qualifiers, with recent seasons highlighting their ability to advance through early rounds. For instance, in the 2023 Conference League qualifiers, AEK reached the playoff stage, demonstrating the club’s growing European ambitions. This season, with fresh managerial perspectives and strategic squad reinforcements, both AEK and Aris are poised to make significant impacts.